Persistent horizontal lines appear on iMac screen

So the issue started appearing 3 days ago on the iMac M1 I bought when it first came out, almost 3 years ago.

For reference, model number is Z14M000RWFN/A.

Maybe we should look into the models we got, if this is due to an heating issue, it could have to do with the fact that the base models iMac (similar to the one I got) only have a single fan, whereas the 4 TB4/USB-3 ports models have two of those.

I'm kinda disappointed with all the iMacs I've had tbh. My first 2009 iMac had the yellow screen issue, my 2014 iMac 5K had ghosting issues, and now this one. In retrospective, maybe it was not a bad move from Apple to discontinue the high-end iMac line, given they all have some kind of widespread screen issues.

This problem was posted 6 months ago and there is still no solution?

This happened to me yesterday and I thought leaving it a day would solve the issue. Now I am looking for solutions online and the amount of users experiencing this is shocking. I’ve been using my iMac for a little over 2 years as well. What’s happening? Apple, do something.

Woke up this morning to find I also have this same issue on my iMac. This is not only distressing, but ****** me off as I cannot afford to replace or repair it. I have only had this machine for two years (like everyone else) and it has shown no other issues until today. Interestingly enough, the lines do not show up if I take a screen shot of the display. This is not Steve Jobs' Apple anymore, this company has turned to trash IMNSHO.

I bought my iMac 24 M3 on May 8, 2024. And everything was fine until I noticed today May 30, 2024 a flickering at the bottom of the screen that is only visible on a gray background, but after a couple of reboots the flickering stopped. As I understand it is definitely related to overheating. I also took a video, I have the Apple warranty, but it still seems to be a problem with all new iMacs.

https://youtu.be/cxE7hrMiO10 - flickering

https://youtu.be/K4tWXNXFSn8 - non flickering.

There might be a connection between auto-adjustment of brightness and the onset of flickering. My iMac first had the flickering one week ago. I turned it off and on. The flickering disappeared, but a black line persists. Since then, the flickering appeared a few times more. It seemed start when there's a change in environment light. For instance, I pulled down the curtain. My room became darker. The brightness of the display changed (I had auto-adjustment of brightness on). Also appeared flickering. I then disabled auto-adjustment of brightness. Flickering hasn't re-appeared since. Just to share my observation, in case it might be useful.

Sure, i Know. It's exactly the same problem, and it's not a software issue. The fact the screen start working better when it took time to be warm says it... It's sad to see an apple product working like the worst low price screen 🥲.

I answered on this topic for those of us who have no other choice than wait to find a solution.

I'm still hoping to get refunded, this is not acceptable from Apple...

I don't know what they will do. I was promised someone higher up the chain would call and or email me to see what they could do. We'll see. I have no idea if the "we would have replaced it" is just something this one person thinks or if it is official policy. I'm expecting that I won't be compensated in any way but if you still have your imac maybe you could get a free replacement. All I know is that I was contacted via email and phone by AppleCare Outreach. I checked the number, and the email address to make sure those were real, and the links did take me directly to Apple log in.

Oh, and if you're asking if they'll replace the display or the whole computer, I don't know.

I'm Glad that they re-open the thread. Congrats @latVm

Anyway, I spent almost an hour on support, and even got a call from a supervisor, and he read al the forums, and acknowledged my issue, but there was no plan from Apple to solve it or to make any discount or exception on a new screen.

I had to take it and pay for a new screen, so, the costo of almost a new device.

I have the same problem. Purchased the M1 IMac 24 inch in Jan 2022. About 2.5 years into purchase, lines started from on the bottom of the screen and the box of lines would move up to the center of the screen and would flicker sometimes. This computer was 2K so I did not think I would have these issues 2 years after purchase. Currently the screen has turned dark and I cannot see anything at all.

I contacted Apple Support after the Apple Store Genius Bar told me they couldn't do anything other than replace the screen for $700. The support person acted like I was wasting his time because it was past the one year warranty. I told him I was aware that it was past warranty and mentioned this thread as evidence that this was a widespread issue due to a manufacturing defect rather than a problem that surfaced due to my use of the iMac. I asked him if I could talk to his supervisor for the purposes of escalating the issue. He got concerned that I was trying to get him in trouble and so I reiterated to him that the reason for the escalation was that I acknowledged that he may not have the power to make an exception to allow me to have my repair paid for. He finally agreed but I could tell that he still thought I was wasting his time.

His supervisor took his side, which I hope means that he's in great hands as a workplace. But from my customer point of view, he seemed like he was trying to get rid of me. He did not want to acknowledge that this issue was a real documented issue, and told me that I should just make sure I updated the operating system and that the problem would most likely go away if I did that. At that point I gave up.

I had similar experience with them here in Italy. The support operator was kind and asked his supervisor for an exception ... but 2 hours later they phoned me back confirming I have to pay for fixing. Really disappointng and surprised about such Apple behavior

Having the same issue. Mine started after I updated to Sequoia directly from Ventura and checked out the new live/dynamic screensavers/wallpapers from Apple. My machine froze and the lines appeared after I rebooted.

It’s concerning that there hasn’t been an official response from Apple regarding the extent of the black horizontal lines issue on iMac M1 displays. This lack of transparency makes it hard for users to evaluate the risks of keeping their current machines. While some technicians have mentioned this could be related to a specific batch, there is no confirmation or clear information. Without clarification, the possibility of recurrence remains uncertain, leaving users with questions.

In my situation, I explored every possible avenue to address the issue, as this kind of defect does not align with the expected quality and durability that Apple products are known for. Devices like the iMac M1 are generally expected to last for many years, so encountering such a defect within two or three years of use is unexpected.

Given the uncertainty, one good option to consider would be replacing the iMac M1 with a Mac Mini paired with an external monitor. Ideally, Apple could assist users by offering a Mac Mini M1 along with financial support or an equivalent external monitor. A high-quality monitor can often be found for $300 to $400. This setup would reduce the financial risks associated with the integrated design of the iMac M1, where repairs can cost up to $1,200, while allowing users to manage potential future expenses by replacing only the external monitor if needed.

Hi everyone.Also appearing lines to my iMac (in Spain). I have just written on the Apple Community Spain, where there was another customer who just wrote about....so could be an issue that may grow in numbers soon.

You have to make an official complain:

Feedback - iMac - Apple